Since joining the Miami Dolphins in 2007, punter Brandon Fields has made an impact both on and off the field. A native of Toledo, Ohio the sixth year pro has become a prominent figure in the South Florida community. For his dedication to excellence on and off the field, Fields has been selected as the 2013 Miami Dolphins Man of the Year and a nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

“It’s a real tribute to him. He makes a lot of sacrifices and is very unselfish with his time, his wife Katie as well,” Head Coach Joe Philbin said. “They do so much in the community for others and he’s certainly very well deserving. We had other guys but I want to congratulate him on that.”

Fields participated in more community events during 2012 and 2013 than any other player on the team. Some events include helping kids in need shop for food and clothes, hosting an ice cream party for children in foster care, visiting local libraries, handing out backpacks to kids and handing out scholarships to kids and grants to charities. His commitment is also shown as he assists the Community Relations Department at the events.

In addition to participating in team’s events, Fields has his own foundation. Along with his wife Katie, they were able to make their long term dream a reality when the Brandon and Katie Fields Youth Fitness Fund was created in 2010. With a focus on health, fitness and a positive attitude, as well as help from generous sponsors and volunteers, the mission of the Brandon and Katie Fields Youth Fitness Fund is to promote physical activity and good health to children in our community. Their goal is to provide opportunities for children to be active, learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and have fun doing so.

Fields has been one of the top punters in team and league history since joining the Dolphins in 2007. He ranks second in NFL history with a 46.7 punting average. He also ranks first in Dolphins history in both highest punting average and net punting average. In 2013, Fields has 70 punts for 3,405 yards, good for an average of 48.6 yards per punt and a net of 42.4 yards per punt. Currently, Fields ranks second in the AFC and NFL in punting average.

The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is given annually by the National Football League honoring a player's volunteer and charity work, as well as his excellence on the field. Prior to 1999, it was called simply the NFL Man of the Year Award. Shortly after Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton died (having been the 1977 recipient himself), the award was renamed to honor his legacy as both a great player and a humanitarian.

Each year, a winner is selected from 32 nominees from the 32 different teams. A panel of judges, which includes the commissioner of the NFL, Connie Payton (widow of Walter Payton), the previous year's winner and a number of former players, selects the winner of the award. The Man of the Year winner receives a $25,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice. The other 31 finalists also receive donations in their name of $1,000 each to charities of their choice.

The Dolphins have had three players win the NFL Man of the Year award, Dwight Stephenson (1985), Dan Marino (1998) and Jason Taylor (2007).